Wexford boss Brian O'Sullivan: 'You've got to be realistic - budgets often dictate where teams end up each year'

Wexford boss Brian O’Sullivan admits that he must stay realistic ahead of the 2021 season as several First Division clubs eye promotion to the top-flight.

The 2021 second-tier has been tipped to be one of the most competitive in years with the likes of Shelbourne, Galway United and Bray Wanderers all strengthening.

But for some, like Wexford, promotion is not the be all and end all – continuing recent improvements is.

“It’s going to be difficult for us,” O’Sullivan explained to extratime.com. “There are full-time teams in the First Division which is unheard of.

“Some years there might be one team but there are three or four teams this year. They might be training in the evening, but they are still doing four sessions a week so it’s essentially full-time.

“The big thing for us was improving the bench because at times last year we had little to be bringing on at times.

“This year we have lads challenging each other which is great. There’s competition all over the place. But we’re under no illusions.

“It’s going to be tough to pick up points whether it’s at home or away. I think we have improved but I think the problem is that everyone has improved.”

The Slaneysiders have bolstered their squad somewhat with the acquisitions of Cabinteely duo Jack Connolly and Paul Fox, while they have also snapped up full-back Alex O’Hanlon on loan from Shelbourne.

Meanwhile, they have also made moves for St Patrick’s Athletic youngsters Paul Cleary, Success Edogun and Kyle Robinson to further add to their ranks.

However, despite the improvements in squad depth, O’Sullivan is mindful of the challenge his side faces this year.

“You’ve got to be realistic,” he stressed. “If you look at the league table at the end of each year budgets often dictate where teams end up.

“We’re just looking to improve, and I know the fans might not like to hear this, but we just want stability.

“We have a good core group that have signed back and that probably has not happened over the last couple of years, but we’ve done that this year.”